ARTICLES ABOUT AILMENT BY DATE - PAGE 5

Maybe Tom Thibodeau should start addressing reporters for his pregame remarks in a white lab coat, perhaps even don a stethoscope as he runs down the latest injury woes. Then, on nights like Monday, he can switch to maybe a cardigan sweater next to a comfortable couch, all the better to offer therapy for what ails the Bulls. Their stunning collapse in an 87-84 loss to the Wizards, who are just 7-24 on the road, dropped their lead over the Heat for the No. 1 seed in the East to 21/2 games.

With travel comes health risks, but you can take steps to stay healthy in transit As you pack your bags, remove your shoes at security, and kill time at the gate, your health is likely the last thing on your mind. But the fact is that traveling, whether for work or play, can take its toll on your physical condition. Here are seven health problems you might encounter in transit along with tips for avoiding them. Jet Lag You're bound to experience sleep deprivation or fatigue while traveling, especially if you're swapping one time zone for another.

ESPNBoston.com reports: Former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks had emergency surgery on Dec. 30 to repair "a mistake" that Jenks said could have been a life-threatening situation. Jenks had surgery to remove bone spurs in his back on Dec. 12 and said that a few weeks later, he noticed the incision in the middle of his back was leaking spinal fluid, which led to an infection in his spine. Get the full story: ESPNBoston.com

The preseason talk in the Big Ten had Ohio State as the runaway favorite. Now, forward Jared Sullinger's mounting health issues raise questions about the No. 2 Buckeyes' national dominance and could have some conference teams eyeing an opening. Sullinger, a standout sophomore, will play against Lamar on Tuesday night despite suffering a left foot injury against South Carolina on Saturday. He previously had missed two games with back spasms. Coach Thad Matta told reporters Monday that Sullinger injured a tendon in his ankle before leaving the game against the Gamecocks in the first half.

If you're seeking clarity on who will start at goaltender for the Blackhawks on Thursday against the Jets, you would have to bug coach Joel Quenneville's office. In lieu of that, Quenneville admitted after Wednesday's practice at the United Center that any of Corey Crawford, Ray Emery or Alexander Salak could be between the pipes and that a decision on the fluid situation would be made after Thursday's morning skate. Crawford, who played well while starting the first two games, returned to practice after a three-day rest that he said addressed a minor injury unrelated to the sore groin that plagued him at the tail end of training camp.

A 40-year-old Elmhurst woman died of cardiac arrhythmia while competing in the Nautica New York City Triathlon, the New York City Medical Examiner's Office announced Monday. The autopsy results for Amy Martich were certified Saturday. The cause of death was due to cardiac arrhythmia due to mitral valve prolapse, which is a condition in which the heart valve does not close properly, said Ellen Borakove, director of the public affairs for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City.

Acoustic rocker John Mayer has bowed out of a series of concerts after suffering from "something next to my vocal cords called a granuloma,“ he said in a statement released Friday. The singer and songwriter said he had undergone months of monitoring, but the condition -- a small area of tissue inflammation that most often occurs in the lungs -- had prevented him from going ahead with the performances. “I'm bummed to have to bow out of both the iheartradio Music Festival in Las Vegas and an appearance with Tony Bennett in Los Angeles,“ he said in the statement.

Smoke from a wildfire in far northern Minnesota had largely dissipated in the Chicago area Wednesday but problems could linger for people with respiratory ailments. "It's a difficult situation," said Dr. Joseph Leija, an allergist who collects the daily pollen and mold counts for the Chicago area. "With a heavy mold count and the smoke, the amount of oxygen in the air is diminished. " Conditions aren't in place for a return of the smoke Thursday, said WGN-TV meteorologist Tom Skilling.

With kids hitting the field for soccer, football and other fall sports, parents may want to take notice of their feet. Problem arches may hold the clue to leg pain, feeling overly tired after practice, inefficient gait or other problems that could sideline children and teens. Flat feet, a condition involving the total or partial collapse of the arch, is not usually a cause for concern since most kids outgrow it. But if not closely monitored or treated in more serious cases, it can lead to aching legs, sore knees, clumsiness and excessive muscle fatigue.

Even as she lived with leukemia and its complications, Molly Kathryn Kohl's beaming smile never faded. "She was a sweet, sweet girl with a zest for life and always very positive," said Molly's mother, Kathy Kohl. "Molly was such a rare little girl and had she had the best outcome … she really would have set the world on fire. " The little girl who loved simple quesadillas, pretended like she knew how to play her acoustic guitar, belted out pop songs and collected everything with penguins wasn't thinking about dying.